What Oxford Nanopore Technologies does

Oxford Nanopore Technologies plc is a UK-headquartered biotechnology company founded in 2005 and listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:ONT) since 2021. It develops and commercializes nanopore-based DNA and RNA sequencing technology, in which molecules are passed through proprietary protein channels embedded in electro-resistant membranes and decoded by measuring characteristic electrical current disruptions in real time. The platform spans palm-sized portable devices (MinION) through benchtop (GridION) to high-throughput installations (PromethION 24), all running on the MinKNOW operating system with the Dorado machine-learning basecaller and EPI2ME analysis workflows, and is supported by a consumables portfolio of flow cells and library preparation kits that drive recurring revenue.

The business operates a hybrid go-to-market model: direct enterprise field sales to research institutions, biopharmaceutical companies, and clinical organizations, supplemented by a self-serve e-commerce storefront for individual researchers, a global channel partner and sequencing service provider network, and OEM arrangements with diagnostics partners such as bioMérieux. FY2025 revenue of £223.9 million was split roughly 67% Research, 13% Clinical (growing ~60%), and a Biopharma segment growing approximately 30%, with China at 9.6% of revenue. The company reported £302.8 million in cash and no debt, with an adjusted EBITDA loss of £86.7 million and a stated path to EBITDA breakeven in FY27 and cash flow positive in FY28.

Strategic priorities center on expanding into regulated clinical diagnostics (first UK/EU diagnostic approvals secured January 2026), biopharma quality control (ViruSure GMP-validated adventitious virus test, Bio-Techne genetic screening kits extended to 2032, Q-Line for GMP environments), and international growth, notably a Japan partnership with A.D.A.M. Innovations signed at the British Embassy Tokyo in March 2026. The company completed a £22.6 million restructuring in 2025 involving 138 layoffs and the discontinuation of the ElysIon platform and PromethION 2 Solo sequencer, and appointed Francis Van Parys (ex-Radiometer/Danaher) as CEO in March 2026, succeeding founder Gordon Sanghera after 21 years.

Name

Oxford Nanopore Technologies

Legal name

Oxford Nanopore Technologies plc

Website

https://nanoporetech.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Oxford Nanopore Technologies develops nanopore-based DNA and RNA sequencing devices and consumables, ranging from palm-sized portable sequencers to high-throughput platforms, serving research institutions, biopharmaceutical companies, and clinical diagnostics customers globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

DNA Sequencing Platforms

NAICS

Research and Development in Nanotechnology (541713), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

SIC

In Vitro & In Vivo Diagnostic Substances (2835)

akta.pro primary industry

Molecular Biology & Genomics Instruments (PCR/qPCR, Sequencing, Microarrays) (HLAGAIAF)

Keywords

• Nanopore sequencing platforms
• DNA sequencing devices
• Genomic analysis software
• Molecular diagnostics solutions
• Library preparation kits

Headquarters

HQ city

Oxford

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Sequencing devices and flow cells: Sale of sequencing hardware including MinION (palm-sized portable), GridION (benchtop with 5 flow cells), and PromethION family (high-throughput). Flow cells (MinION Flow Cell and PromethION Flow Cell) are the core consumable component driving recurring revenue. Revenue split: Research 67%, Clinical 13%, Biopharma growing segment.
2. Library preparation kits: Specialized kits for DNA and RNA library preparation, including Ligation Sequencing Kit V14, Direct RNA Sequencing Kit, cDNA-PCR Sequencing Kit, and Ultra-long Sequencing Kit. Compatible with all devices, sold as consumables with per-use pricing.
3. Support plans and services: Standard and Enhanced Support Plans providing installation onboarding, training, phone/email support, on-site repairs, device replacement, and loaner devices during downtime. Enhanced plans include proactive maintenance and documentation support for quality-managed or regulated labs.
4. Training services: Personalized training including Rapid-start MinION online courses, Advanced GridION and PromethION on-site training, and Nanopore Learning online platform for self-paced learning.
5. Sequencing services (through partners): Partner network of approved sequencing service providers enables customers without in-house capability to access Oxford Nanopore technology through service contracts.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Oxford Nanopore develops and commercializes proprietary nanopore-based DNA and RNA sequencing technology, offering a unified platform that spans from portable palm-sized MinION devices to high-throughput PromethION installations. The platform delivers real-time, long-read sequencing with direct base modification detection, supported by consumable flow cells, library preparation kits, and proprietary MinKNOW and EPI2ME analysis software for research, clinical, and biopharma applications.

Product overview

Oxford Nanopore Technologies offers a unified nanopore sequencing platform for DNA and RNA analysis, scalable from portable palm-sized devices to population-scale installations. The core product family includes MinION (portable), GridION (benchtop with 5 flow cells), PromethION 24 (high-throughput with 24 flow cells), and PromethION 2 devices (mid-throughput with 2 flow cells), all running on MinKNOW software with Dorado basecalling. The consumables portfolio encompasses MinION and PromethION Flow Cells, DNA/RNA Library Preparation Kits, Ligation Sequencing Kit V14, Direct RNA Sequencing Kit, and cDNA-PCR Sequencing Kit. Data analysis is powered by EPI2ME workflows. Specialized offerings include Q-Line for regulated GMP environments, AmPORE-TB for TB diagnostics, Hereditary Cancer Panel for cancer genetics, and NO-MISS workflow for microbial sequencing. The platform uniquely delivers real-time, long-read sequencing (up to 4 Mb) with direct detection of base modifications and scalable throughput for research, clinical, and biopharma applications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• EPI2ME: Preconfigured analysis workflows for nanopore sequencing data analysis
• MinKNOW
• MinION
• GridION
• PromethION
• Q-Line
• AmPORE-TB
• ORG.one

Products and services

• MinION Palm-sized, portable DNA/RNA sequencer offering cost-effective, real-time sequencing for rapid insights outside traditional lab environments. Used by individual researchers and field applications.
• MinION Mk1D Latest generation portable nanopore sequencer with improved specifications compared to the original MinION, offering palm-sized form factor with enhanced performance for field and lab use.
• GridION Benchtop nanopore sequencer running up to five independent MinION Flow Cells on-demand, with onboard data analysis capabilities for gene expression to high-throughput targeted mutation detection.
• Q-Line GridION Sequencing product designed for regulated GMP environments, delivering real-time nanopore sequencing in a standardized, tightly controlled format supporting 21 CFR Part 11 and EU GMP Annex 11 configurations.
• PromethION 24 High-throughput genomic and transcriptomic sequencing using up to 24 independent, high-capacity flow cells with powerful onboard compute for in-depth characterization of large numbers of clinical research samples.
• PromethION 2 (Solo/Integrated) Compact devices offering two independent PromethION Flow Cells for low-cost access to high-output sequencing, ideal for smaller sample whole-genome and transcriptome projects. The Integrated version includes onboard compute.
• PromethION Plus Flow Cell High-capacity flow cell compatible with PromethION devices, offering enhanced performance for human and large genome sequencing, cancer research, targeted sequencing, metagenomics, isoform-level transcriptomes, and single-cell sequencing.
• MinION Flow Cell Flow cell compatible with MinION and GridION devices, suitable for small genome sequencing, targeted sequencing, microbial identification, antimicrobial resistance profiling, and gene expression studies.
• Ligation Sequencing Kit V14 Current-generation DNA library preparation kit with enzyme E8.2.1, achieving high accuracy (Q20+) when combined with R10.4.1 Flow Cells and SUP basecalling for whole-genome sequencing applications.
• Direct RNA Sequencing Kit Enables PCR-free, direct sequencing of native RNA without reverse transcription or amplification, allowing detection of base modifications including methylation alongside nucleotide sequence.
• cDNA-PCR Sequencing Kit cDNA library preparation kit with updated protocol producing longer reads and improved transcript coverage for isoform-level transcriptome analysis.
• Q20 Plus Sequencing Chemistry Sequencing chemistry achieving Q20+ (99.5%) single-read accuracy, enabling reliable variant calling and genomic analysis comparable to state-of-the-art short-read methods.
• EPI2ME Preconfigured analysis workflows platform available as desktop app or command line, providing intuitive interface for rapid insights without bioinformatics experience. Supports real-time analysis and custom workflow creation.
• MinKNOW Operating system for all Oxford Nanopore devices, performing raw data acquisition and basecalling with built-in methylation detection. Enables adaptive sampling and connects to upstream/downstream tools via API.
• Dorado Open-source basecalling software available via GitHub with multiple machine-learning models (Fast, HAC, SUP, Duplex) achieving up to Q26 (99.75%) raw read accuracy with the latest v5 models.
• AmPORE-TB Research workflow for rapid characterization of mutations associated with antimicrobial resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, species identification, and lineage identification in a single assay from sputum samples in as little as six hours.
• Hereditary Cancer Panel Comprehensive sequencing assay targeting 258 full-length genes linked to inherited cancer risk, covering exons, introns, and promoters using adaptive sampling. No library prep, baits, or primers required.
• NO-MISS Workflow Nanopore-only microbial isolate sequencing solution providing a flexible and rapid approach for whole-genome sequencing of bacterial isolates, generating data for public health to clinical microbiology research.
• Oxford Nanopore Training Services Comprehensive training services including Rapid-start MinION online courses, Advanced GridION and PromethION on-site training, and the Nanopore Learning online platform covering essentials to advanced skills.
• Oxford Nanopore Support Plans Standard and Enhanced Support Plans providing expert technical support, installation onboarding, phone/email support, on-site repairs, replacement services, and preventive maintenance for GridION and PromethION devices.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduces 'dark' genome regions by 81% compared to legacy short-read technologies, achieving 99.49% total genome coverage
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments10 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

AI capability7 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered secondary, major, core and minor.

• Volta LabssecondaryTechnology or Integration · 21 May 2026Launched Callisto automated DNA library preparation solution for Oxford Nanopore Ligation Sequencing Kit V14. Enables fully automated, high-throughput whole genome sequencing with improved accuracy and efficiency, validated at UMC Utrecht.
• Agilent TechnologiessecondaryTechnology or Integration · 15 April 2026Demonstrating compatibility between Agilent SureSelect target enrichment chemistry and Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing platforms at AACR Annual Meeting 2026. Enables customers to combine两家 technologies for enhanced genomic analysis.
• A.D.A.M. Innovations (Genesis Healthcare)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 March 2026International collaboration signed at British Embassy in Tokyo to develop and deploy advanced nanopore sequencing-based clinical tests in Japan. Partnership aligns with UK-Japan Health Cooperation Memorandum. Includes rare disease screening pilot screening for 70+ underdiagnosed neuromuscular conditions, with national roll-out planned for H2 2026.
• ViruSure (Asahi Kasei)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 March 2026Collaboration to launch world's first GMP-validated adventitious viral agent (AVA) detection test based on Oxford Nanopore sequencing for biopharmaceutical quality control. First-in-class solution consolidates multiple assays into single test, reducing testing timelines by weeks and simplifying GMP-regulated workflows.
• Orchard TherapeuticsminorOthers · 3 February 2026UK subsidiary of Kyowa Kirin investing £11 million in UK gene therapy R&D under Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund as part of UK-Japan life sciences partnership that includes Oxford Nanopore-Genesis Healthcare collaboration.
• King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC)secondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 22 November 2025KFSHRC Genomic Medicine Center received Oxford Nanopore certification as metagenomics service provider, enhancing role as national reference laboratory for analyzing microorganisms and supporting healthcare facilities across Saudi Arabia.
• Novogene EuropesecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 5 November 2025Novogene Europe launched Whole Plasmid Sequencing service powered by Oxford Nanopore technology, offering advanced method for plasmid verification relevant to gene/cell therapy, RNA therapeutics, and synthetic biology from UK laboratory.
• Bio-TechnecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 October 2025Expanded collaboration through 2032 to develop genetic testing products and sequencing kits for genetic disorder screening and diagnosis. Partnership builds on previous success with genetic screening kits, aiming to accelerate diagnostic innovation and streamline workflows globally.
• CepheidcoreTechnology or Integration · 15 April 2025Expanded partnership to phase two following successful initial collaboration announced at ESCMID Global 2025. Developing streamlined workflow for rapid bacterial and fungal pathogen identification for sepsis and bloodstream infection research. Workflow enables pathogen ID, antimicrobial resistance profiling, and genomic antibiotic susceptibility testing predictions. Early access program planned for Q3-2026 with long-term ambition for end-to-end IVD solution.
• Mayo CliniccoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 October 2023Collaboration to develop clinical tests for cancer and genetic disorders using Oxford Nanopore sequencing technology, enhancing diagnostics capabilities through clinical research applications.
• Precision Health Research, Singapore (PRECISE)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerSingapore's National Precision Medicine programme coordinating clinical implementation pilots with partnerships including Oxford Nanopore, Illumina, and PacBio to advance Asian genomic research through Phase II initiatives.
• Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on development of accessible educational infrastructure, optimizing educational tools integrating Oxford Nanopore's sequencing technology and integration into national and international educator training programs.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Illumina: Dominant short-read sequencing platform provider and the incumbent Oxford Nanopore most directly competes against in genomics. Illumina also participated as an early investor in Oxford Nanopore and partners on multi-site sequencing evaluations (e.g., TruPath beta at UMC Utrecht), reflecting the close competitive and technology relationship.
• Pacific Biosciences (PacBio): Direct competitor in long-read DNA/RNA sequencing using a different technology (SMRT). PacBio competes head-to-head with Oxford Nanopore in research, clinical, and biopharma applications and is also part of multi-vendor programs like Singapore's PRECISE precision medicine initiative.
• MGI Tech (BGI Group): Chinese sequencing platform provider and the target of Oxford Nanopore's patent infringement and trade secrets litigation. MGI's CycloneSeq-WT02 nanopore sequencer was confirmed to infringe four Oxford Nanopore Australian patents, positioning MGI as a cost-competitive direct competitor in long-read sequencing.

Emerging players

• Element Biosciences: Emerging sequencing platform company that recently expanded from short-read into long-read sequencing. Element is a direct competitor targeting the same clinical and research customers with potentially more cost-effective platforms, representing a structural threat to Oxford Nanopore's pricing power.
• Bionano Genomics: Optical genome mapping company that addresses structural variation and large structural rearrangements in genomics — an adjacent capability to nanopore ultra-long reads. Bionano is a partial competitor for cytogenetics and structural variant applications.
• 10x Genomics: Single-cell and spatial genomics company that has a documented end-to-end integration partnership with Oxford Nanopore (10x cDNA → nanopore library prep → EPI2ME analysis). It is a partial competitor in single-cell applications but also a key ecosystem partner.

Broad incumbents

• Thermo Fisher Scientific: Broad life sciences tools incumbent with sequencing instruments (Ion Torrent) and a comprehensive consumables portfolio. While not a direct nanopore competitor, Thermo Fisher competes for the same research and clinical sequencing budgets and provides a comparable end-to-end genomics workflow offering.
• Qiagen: Sample preparation and molecular biology tools provider that overlaps with Oxford Nanopore's library preparation kit portfolio. While not a sequencer competitor, Qiagen is a broad incumbent in the genomics workflow that competes for share-of-wallet in molecular biology labs.
• Roche: Global diagnostics incumbent that competes with Oxford Nanopore in clinical sequencing and IVD applications through its Foundation Medicine and diagnostics businesses. Roche represents the large-pharma/diagnostics incumbent Oxford Nanopore increasingly partners with and competes against in regulated clinical markets.

Others

• Agilent Technologies: Genomics tools provider with target enrichment chemistry (SureSelect) that has demonstrated compatibility with Oxford Nanopore's long-read platform at AACR 2026. Agilent is more of a complementary ecosystem partner than a direct competitor, but is a broad life sciences tools incumbent with overlapping customer budgets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/nanopore
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/oxford-nanopore-technologies
• Facebookfacebook.com/Oxford-Nanopore-Technologies

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds20 records

Investors23 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Oxford Nanopore Technologies